BNFO 301

Introduction to Bioinformatics Course at a Glance: Overview

Spring 2014

Name	BNFO 301: Introduction to Bioinformatics
Objectives of course	Multiple: Help you make progress along the long road towards becoming an independent agent, a producer of new insights and solutions Help you in your primary task of determining your life's calling: (a) what you're good at, (b) what you love doing, and (c) what the world needs done. Help you understand how bioinformatics lets us see biology in a new light and realize that you can make your own bioinformatic tools yourself (See Objectives for details)
Time and Place	TR 9:30-10:45 am, Oliver Hall-Education, Rm 2122 Also, special one-on-on help sessions         Tue, Wed, Thu 6:00-8:00 pm Harris Hall, Rm 3112
Prerequisites	Suggested: Some familiarity with molecular biology (e.g. gained from BNFO 300: Molecular Biology Through Discovery) Some familiarity with the concepts of computer programming (e.g. gained from BNFO 201: Computer Skills and Concepts for Bioinformatics or CMSC 255: Introduction to Programming). There is no need to know any specific programming language. If you lack familiarity in either of these two areas, you might be able to cope, but you'll need to shoulder an additional burden, aided by special TA-run sessions.
At whom is the course aimed?	Anyone who wants, including: Bioinformatics majors Those who wish to add bioinformatics to their intellectual tool box Those who have their own good reasons
Instructor	Jeff Elhai (ElhaiJ at VCU dot Edu) Center for the Study of Biological Complexity Life Sciences Building, Room 335
Teaching Assistant	Keith Herbert (HerbertKB at VCU dot Edu)
Recommended Text	None. Material will be posted. Also, see many pre-existing on-line resources.
Accomodations for a disability	In brief: Come and talk and we'll figure out a solution. In not-so-brief: See VCU's Accommodations and Services.